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Anbernic RG ARC-S Review: A Retro Fighting Handheld with 6-Button Layout

Anbernic RG ARC-S Review: A Retro Fighting Handheld with 6-Button Layout

Overview

The Anbernic RG ARC-S is a horizontal handheld gaming console tailored for retro fighting games, featuring a classic 6-button layout inspired by arcade controllers. It runs on an open-source operating system and is powered by a RockChip RK3566 processor with a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU and Mali-G52 2EE GPU. The device sports a 4.0-inch IPS display with a 4:3 aspect ratio and 640x480 resolution, ideal for retro titles. With 1GB of LPDDR4 RAM, dual external TF card slots, and connectivity options like WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, it offers a solid foundation for emulation up to N64, PSP, and Dreamcast.

Key Specs Highlights

  • Processor: RockChip RK3566 (4x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8 GHz)
  • GPU: Mali-G52 2EE @ 850 MHz
  • RAM: 1 GB LPDDR4
  • Display: 4.0-inch IPS, 640x480, 4:3 ratio, 200 PPI
  • Storage: Dual external TF card slots
  • Battery: 3500 mAh
  • Connectivity: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, Mini HDMI out, 3.5mm audio jack
  • Weight: 240 grams
  • Dimensions: 191 x 80 x 22 mm

Who It Is For

The RG ARC-S is designed for retro gaming enthusiasts who prioritize fighting games and arcade-style experiences. The 6-button layout makes it particularly suitable for titles like Street Fighter, King of Fighters, and other classic fighters. It also appeals to collectors and tinkerers who enjoy open-source handhelds with good emulation performance for systems up to the 5th generation and some 6th generation (Dreamcast, PSP).

Buying Notes

The RG ARC-S is priced around $78 (launch price) and falls within the $75-$100 range. It is available in black transparent and blue transparent colors. The device uses plastic construction and includes a vibration motor but no active cooling. Note that the 1GB RAM may limit performance for higher-end emulation, but it handles N64, PSP, and Dreamcast well for most titles. The open-source OS allows for customization, and the dual TF card slots provide flexible storage options.

Specifications
CPUCortex-A55
GPUMali-G52 2EE
RAM1 GB LPDDR4
NameRG ARC-S
AliasZhou Ge 6-button fighter, Zhou Ge fighter
BrandAnbernic
Weight240 grams
Battery3500 mAh
CoolingNone
StorageDual external TF card slots
SpeakersDual stereo
Grip TypeHorizontal
ProcessorRockChip RK3566
VibrationYes
Dimensions191 mm x 80 mm x 22 mm
Screen PPI200
Body ColorsBlack transparent, Blue transparent
Price Range$75 - $100
Screen Size4.0 inches
Screen TypeIPS
Audio Output3.5mm headphone jack
ConnectivityWiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2
Launch Price$78
Release Date2023 / 11
Screen Ratio4:3
Video OutputMini HDMI
CPU Frequency1.8 GHz
Other SensorsNone
Shell MaterialPlastic
Operating SystemOpen-source system
Screen Resolution640 x 480
GPU Core Frequency850 MHz
Screen Refresh Rate60Hz
CPU Cores and Threads4 cores 4 threads
Emulator Game SupportUp to N64, PSP and Dreamcast, most of these emulators and earlier platforms are playable

Full specs and updates on our site: https://www.oldman.dpdns.org/en/handheld/rg-arc-s

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